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The Barbering Program

Barber School - Costa Mesa, CA

The modern-day barbershop trend is evolving. More and more consumers want a comfortable space where they can get the full, traditional barber experience by a professional, state-licensed barber. Students (or as we call them, Future Professionals) are guided by our Learning Leaders through the barbering program’s three levels—Core, Adaptive and Creative—taking on more advanced techniques and building real-world skills and confidence as they move through each stage.

Our Program Levels

LEVEL 1: CORE
LEVEL 2: ADAPTIVE
LEVEL 3: CREATIVE

LEVEL 1: CORE

A foundation course focusing on the fundamentals of both the theory and technical foundations of hair, skin, men’s grooming, facial shaves and an introduction to our Paul Mitchell Schools culture. Future Professionals learn the fundamentals in theory, then practice them hands-on in the safe environment of the classroom. You’ll work on mannequin heads and receive close, personal attention from a Learning Leader guiding you every step of the way.

Technical Areas Covered Include:

  • Haircutting
  • Chemical work (including coloring and perms)
  • Men’s shaving and grooming
  • Basic skin and grooming
  • Basic skin care
  • Hairpiece design, fitting, and maintenance
  • And much more

LEVEL 2: ADAPTIVE

The learning continues in the classroom and in the clinic classroom, where Future Professionals practice and perfect the fundamental skills learned in Core. Adaptive-level students work on live models in a barbershop-like environment with the oversight and support of their Learning Leaders. You will work with professional products and learn how to conduct client consultations and create extraordinary guest-service experiences.

Areas Covered Include:

  • Practice on real people in a barbershop-like environment
  • Perfect your skills with help from Learning Leaders

LEVEL 3: CREATIVE

The Creative phase is where Future Professionals begin to expand their skills and learn more advanced and creative techniques. At the Creative level, students prepare to become barbershop-ready by working more independently. The pace and conditions are similar to those in a barbershop. You will develop your speed, build a résumé and portfolio and prepare to pass the state board test.

Areas Covered Include:

  • Work independently (under the supervision of a Learning Leader)
  • Prepare a career portfolio
  • Prepare to pass the State Board test
  • Develop speed and prepare to start your career

Student Kit

We want you to be prepared. That’s why our Barbering Future Professionals receive their own professional barbering kit packed with all the essentials—mannequin heads, shears, clippers and trimmers, a straight-edge razor, combs, clips, and much more—so you’re ready to succeed in school and launch your dream career.

DIGITAL SUPPORT

When you have the latest technology and resources at your fingertips, you’ll be more successful in school and in your career. Future Professionals have on-the-go access to schoolwork, advice from industry leaders, Paul Mitchell cutting and coloring apps, our exclusive Business Fundamentals: Connecting to My Future curriculum and much more.

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Consumer Information

Learn more about our graduation, placement, and licensure rates, and much more.

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Our Barbering Programs

Barbering Program
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

School Supplies, Kit, and Tuition Costs

TUITION — BARBERING

Fee Amount
Tuition $14,000.00
Application fee (nonrefundable) 25.00
Registration fee 85.00
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) (nonrefundable) 0.00
Technical Kit * 1,592.75
Textbooks (nonrefundable after the cancellation policy)* 304.00
Digital Kit (nonrefundable after the cancellation policy)* 447.35
Sales Tax (nonrefundable after the cancellation policy)* 181.67
TOTAL COSTS $16,635.77

This is the estimated schedule of total charges for the entire educational program assuming you do not exceed the scheduled hours.

*Amount is refundable during the cancellation period.

How long will it take?

School Required Hours

 

Commitment to Complete Program: 1000 hours

When can I get started?

Ready to get started? Here are our upcoming start dates for this program:

 

  • 5/20/2025 Barber
  • 5/27/2025 Barber (Part-Time)
  • 7/1/2025 Barber
  • 7/28/2025 Barber (Part-Time)
  • 8/12/2025 Barber
  • 9/23/2025 Barber
  • 9/29/2025 Barber (Part-Time)
  • 11/4/2025 Barber
  • 12/1/2025 Barber (Part-Time)
  • 12/16/2025 Barber

Student educational materials

  • The Cutting System App
  • The Color System App
  • The Style and Texture System App
  • The Barber and Short Hair System App
  • The Skill Cards App
  • Plugged In App
  • Connecting to My Future App
  • Be Nice or Else iBook ISBN-13: 978-0-974-993-99-7
  • The Mini-Color Swatch Book
  • CourseKey Skills Tracker

Required textbooks

1 Pivot Point Package ISBN: 978-1-940593-97-5 $254.00
1 State Board Booklet $50.00
1 California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Act and Regulations book
1 Health and Safety Course Textbook
1 Health and Safety Course Exam Booklet
Sales Tax $23.56
TOTAL $327.56

Textbooks may be purchased from the school or from an independent vendor. If the student plans to purchase their textbooks from an independent vendor, they should inform the admissions team prior to signing the enrollment agreement.

DISTANCE EDUCATION

Distance Education

Paul Mitchell The School Costa Mesa offers two options for its Barbering program, one which provides 8.75% of the course via distance learning, and the second option requires all of the training to take place within our campus.

Net Price Calculator

Use the Net Price Calculator to estimate tuition information based on what similar students paid in a previous year.

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Funding Your Education

There are a wide variety of financial aid options out there—and we’re here to help you find them. Get information about tuition, financial aid, scholarships, and more from our helpful Costa Mesa Financial Aid team.

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CONTACT INFORMATION

* Required Fields
Paul Mitchell The School Costa Mesa
ADDRESS

3309 hyland avenue suite j , costa mesa, CA 92626

PROGRAMS OFFERED

Barbering Programs, Cosmetology Programs, Esthetics Programs

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Paul Mitchell The School Costa Mesa
FAFSA CODE

016984

ADDRESS

3309 Hyland Avenue Suite J,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Phone

714-546-8786

ENTITY NAME

Von Curtis, Inc., dba Paul Mitchell The School Costa Mesa

Programs
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Paul Mitchell The School Costa Mesa is nationally accredited by National Accrediting Commissions of Career Arts & Sciences, Inc (NACCAS). The National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) is recognized by the United States Department of Education as a national accrediting agency for postsecondary schools and departments of cosmetology arts and sciences, and massage therapy, including those offered via Distance Education.

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